We propose to develop an optical Improvised Explosive Device (IED) activity detection system that is designed for military applications. The purpose of the Phase I program is to demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed approach. The proposed system is intended to detect tampering with or disturbance of pre-treated areas that are prone to IED deployment. After pre-treatment, optical Images of the target areas will be captured and analyzed to determine if there has been IED related activity. The proposed system can be configured to be carried on a moving vehicle or held by hand. On a vehicle, the detection system will be scanned in order to interrogate a wide target area. The system will function at night and in broad daylight. At the center of our approach is a fluorescent material that will be dispersed over target areas. A filtered, intensified optical detection system will be used to image fluorescence from pre-treated areas and to monitor changes that signal IED deployment. Emphasis for the Phase I program will be on the development of suitable fluorescent materials and on the construction of a breadboard demonstration for proof-of-concept
